This is the official Twitter account for #OklaEd, thehashtag that brings OK educators together. #OklaEd is not political & promotes constructive dialogue.
Intro! If you're an admin tell us where and what you taught before. If you're a teacher, tell us where you are currently traumatizing your principal! #oklaed
Intro! If you're an admin tell us where and what you taught before. If you're a teacher, tell us where you are currently traumatizing your principal! #oklaed
Kathy Dunn, Mid-Del Assistant Superintendent. Happy Mother's Day to all the strong women in #oklaed who are Moms to their own kiddos and/or everyone else's kiddos!
Melinda Parks, currently terrorizing students, faculty, and admin at Westmoore High and in Moore Public Schools....I’m an equal opportunity traumatizer. #oklaed
Intro! If you're an admin tell us where and what you taught before. If you're a teacher, tell us where you are currently traumatizing your principal! #oklaed
Jack Reed, English Language Arts Teacher for 12 years in California, 1 year English as a second language in Puebla Mexico, 2 years as Assistant Principal at The U.S. Grant before being the Principal at Emerson Alternative High School - North in @OKCPS#oklaed
Intro! If you're an admin tell us where and what you taught before. If you're a teacher, tell us where you are currently traumatizing your principal! #oklaed
#oklaed Now following directions: Kathy Dunn, Mid-Del Asst. Supt. Formerly known as an Adjunct at OSU for Freshman Comp & ELL. Then English III at Stillwater High, Reading, 7th-9th, at Del Crest Junior High in Mid-Del, then Reading Lab at Townsend.
Director of Elem. Curr & Inst., GT, EL, former technology integration, PreK,12th grade (and every in between), cheer coach, reading teacher... I’m sure I’m leaving something out... #oklaed
Currently in my 30th year in education. All of them as a 1st grade, Kindergarten and PK teacher and last 3 as a technology integrationist. Loved teaching but also love my new direction too! #oklaed
It was kinda like bringing your first child home from the hospital. You get em strapped in the car seat, get in the drivers seat, and look at your wife and say “what do we do now?” #oklaed 1st yr principal = lots of watching how your pros work and asking lots of questions
This is most of my staff during August - September - a little in October, less in November & December, more in January again in February, etc... #oklaed
A2 - I think it depends on how effective the admin was as a T, but ultimately learning to work with a bunch of different personalities. Adults are harder than kids for sure! #OklaEd
A2 it’s like the old “you look around the room for an adult and realize you are the adult...and then you look for someone more adult-y than you”....#oklaed
A2: Now you have to do all the same stuff that drove you crazy as a teacher! And you can't focus on just one class or subject, you need to be literate in all areas - or risk alienating someone. #oklaed
Intro! If you're an admin tell us where and what you taught before. If you're a teacher, tell us where you are currently traumatizing your principal! #oklaed
A2) I believe it would be hard for a new principal to transition into a person trying to make every teacher happy and finding out there’s a new game plan each day. #oklaed
A2: the transition from coworker to boss. I think the children would handle it easier than staff would. It’s almost easier to go to a diff school. It’s hard for me as a T to go from venting to you, to being evaluated by you. Respect that as an admin. #oklaed
A2 Realizing that as a T you don't always have all the info and as an Admin you are making decisions that have a much greater impact. Communicating that back to Ts isn't always easy. #oklaed
A2 Realizing that as a T you don't always have all the info and as an Admin you are making decisions that have a much greater impact. Communicating that back to Ts isn't always easy. #oklaed
A2) That strange tasting kool-aide they make you drink. 🤪 Seriously though... transitioning to a role where you definitely have to do much more tight-rope walking than your previously had to do, especially in conflicts between teacher v parent. #oklaed
A2) I agree with @coach57. I imagine it is like going from a college athlete to a coach. You need to be competent in many areas and think wide rather than narrow. #OklaEd
A2. The hardest part of the transition for me was simply sitting behind the desk when a teacher comes in the office. I taught alongside these people for 6 years in the same building. I still sit beside them instead when I can. #oklaed
In cases I have seen where a T at a school went from T to admin at the same site, wasn’t respected as much as maybe if said person would have switched sites when becoming Admin. Advice: if you know you want to become admin, earn the Ts respect first. #oklaed
A2: I think it would be super weird to become an admin in a building where you used to teach. I bet relationships with co-workers change more than people expect. #oklaed
A3a) Being the principal that you would want for your spouse at their job and treating Ss like they are your kids. Grace, safety, structure, and care. #oklaed
A3a) Spend time listening and observing without making big changes (unless delegates by your higher ups) so that you have time & better knowledge upon which to base needed change. #oklaed
A3a at the risk of stepping on last week’s discussion...be authentic. Be real about who you are and what your vision is...and fess up if you screw up...but then make it clear that you will do better. #oklaed
A2 - I think it depends on how effective the admin was as a T, but ultimately learning to work with a bunch of different personalities. Adults are harder than kids for sure! #OklaEd
A3a Make it known by your actions that you are there for the Ss. The Ts that have that as their primary purpose will be quick to join you and help squelch any negativity/credibility comments that naysayers may be sharing #oklaed
A3a) I did not go in thinking I knew more than the existing staff. I observed and learned the current culture. I kept notes on what to change, what is working and I sought feedback from all stakeholders. It's an ongoing process. #oklaed
A3b: I love it when my principal sends us a survey before making decisions. Or he'll have a concept and get teacher volunteers to work out the details. #oklaed
A3. Have not done that at a new site but clearly giving the teachers a voice in the initial changes would be clutch. Find your supporters quickly and allow them to help you “fit in”. #oklaed
A3b - I think the best leadership decision is creating a leadership team who truly has a vision about what is best for every student. Admin can’t do anything without buy-in from staff. #OklaEd
A3b) Decisions grounded in observable or measurable data are often easier for your Ts to support (especially once you’ve taken the time to earn their trust) #oklaed
A3a) Gaining credibility is was/is like a sport to me. They are always going to get my best, because my teachers, kids, and parents deserve it! #oklaed
A3a: Our "new" principal didn't make any huge changes the first year because he used it to solicit feedback and run ideas past people. This is his fourth year and his changes have been worthwhile and had buy-in. #oklaed
A3: Live your values. Do what you say you will. Inspect what you expect. Listen. Provide feedback. Learn. Share. Support at all times! Provide safety, promote learning, develop relationships. Connect everything to one goal. #oklaed
A3b) I expect my principal to follow through, keep me as a teacher in the loop of what’s going on in the school, and trusting me to do small tasks for him/her. #oklaed
A3: Live your values. Do what you say you will. Inspect what you expect. Listen. Provide feedback. Learn. Share. Support at all times! Provide safety, promote learning, develop relationships. Connect everything to one goal. #oklaed
A3b. I have been the teacher with a new Principal 4 times. I always was glad to see the principal wanted to get to know me and work earn my trust rather than demand it. #oklaed
A3b) Stay real and true to yourself. Everyone makes mistakes or may do something differently the next time. Communicate and change your mind if you need to...no big deal. #oklaed
A3a) Keep your word. If not possible, absolutely explain what changed. Even if you can't give details, it should make sense. Hate feeling like a leader's mind changes depending on who was the last person to talk to them BUT I respect a leader who is true to their values. #oklaed
I like knowing where my admins stand, even if it's the same place as me. I know I'm only a part of the system, but I want to respect that their decisions and trust them. I've worked for people that seemed fickle and easily manipulated; I won't do it again. #oklaed
I like knowing where my admins stand, even if it's FAR FROM the same place as me. I know I'm only a part of the system, but I want to respect that their decisions and trust them. I've worked for people that seemed fickle and easily manipulated; I won't do it again. #oklaed
Q4) As a new principal, when is it the correct time to make changes? Is this timeline influenced by the number of veteran and new teachers in your building? #oklaed
I see this as a read the room situation.... there isn't a perfect timeline for making changes.... you have to know the temperature of the school and your staff... also, need comes into play #oklaed
Q4) As a new principal, when is it the correct time to make changes? Is this timeline influenced by the number of veteran and new teachers in your building? #oklaed
Q4) As a new principal, when is it the correct time to make changes? Is this timeline influenced by the number of veteran and new teachers in your building? #oklaed
A4 - This is hard and I don’t think there is a correct answer - all depends on the building/staff. But if you take time getting to know the staff and truly listen, it will become clear. #OklaEd
Yep. We don’t need to agree all the time, but when I know “who” my admin is, I can work with that. At times, the world seems against Edu - we need to be on the same team if not the same corner #oklaed
I like knowing where my admins stand, even if it's FAR FROM the same place as me. I know I'm only a part of the system, but I want to respect that their decisions and trust them. I've worked for people that seemed fickle and easily manipulated; I won't do it again. #oklaed
A4: Unless you've been working in that building for a while, don't come in like Mr. Big Shot and change everything immediately. Year 2 is a good time to start - unless there are immediate needs, then take charge day 1. #oklaed
Q4) As a new principal, when is it the correct time to make changes? Is this timeline influenced by the number of veteran and new teachers in your building? #oklaed
A4 I think it depends on if you’re at crisis level. If so, make your move and fast. If not, give yourself some time to figure out where the thing(s) you want to fix fits in the big picture and understand all the causes/implications before you make a change. #oklaed
A4: There’s never a correct time, but it’s always the right time. Success is never final and the work of making your school better is never finished. #oklaed
A4. Some changes have to be made immediately but a new P must gather input, provide legitimate data, and put in the time earning trust before making most new changes or he/she will be going it alone. #Oklaed
A4) the time to make changes is as soon as you have the data to back up the change. Ideally, you would have also had the time to build the relationships/trust that will support the change, but some necessary changes must be acted on rapidly. #oklaed
A4. It really depends on the reason you’re making a change. When possible, (&it’s usually possible) get input from stakeholders@(whoever they are). #OklaEd
Q4) As a new principal, when is it the correct time to make changes? Is this timeline influenced by the number of veteran and new teachers in your building? #oklaed
A4). The correct time to make change is when the principal decides something needs to be changed. A good principal listens to all and makes a change in which he/she feels comfortable. #oklaed
Q4) As a new principal, when is it the correct time to make changes? Is this timeline influenced by the number of veteran and new teachers in your building? #oklaed
A4 There is no set timeline. Some decisions need to wait until you have observed the current process, others are crucial to the direction you and the school needs to move. If it ain't broke don't fix it may be true, but it doesn't mean you are moving forward. #oklaed
A4: Depends on the reasoning for the change. Safety? No wait - do. Communicate the reasoning, but don’t hesitate. Philosophical shift? You’d better get your vocal crowd on board or they’ll be looking for every excuse to resist #oklaed
Q4) As a new principal, when is it the correct time to make changes? Is this timeline influenced by the number of veteran and new teachers in your building? #oklaed
A4. I believe the answer to this question is situational - if it is betters the learning environment of the school, it can’t happen soon enough. #oklaed
A4: There’s never a correct time, but it’s always the right time. Success is never final and the work of making your school better is never finished. #oklaed
Q4) As a new principal, when is it the correct time to make changes? Is this timeline influenced by the number of veteran and new teachers in your building? #oklaed
A4) Chinese proverb...”the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The 2nd best time is now” #oklaed If something is worth changing lead with the “why” b4 the “what. Veterans and rookies will understand and be more accepting if they know the “why”
Q4) As a new principal, when is it the correct time to make changes? Is this timeline influenced by the number of veteran and new teachers in your building? #oklaed
When the it's a constant push for themselves, instead of for kids. If the complaints always center around how it affects them, and not how to make the school better. #oklaed
A4: Identity what needs to change, prioritize what needs to change first, then build your change team and go to work! The key thing is that it's "we" not "me". Find those veterans that everyone respects and let them lead the charge! #oklaed
A4 #OklaEd I think there needs to be an adjustment period. Open communication with all teachers to find out what is working and what needs tweaked. I think not trying to change everything at once is as good idea.
#oklaed A4 Timing Can be everything. For sure not going to act based on one teacher saying, “We think we should...” Individuals can’t speak for the invisible group.
A4) I will CAUTION: sometimes you play the long game, not the short game. You must have relational collateral to make certain changes. Not all, but certain changes. #oklaed.
Q4) As a new principal, when is it the correct time to make changes? Is this timeline influenced by the number of veteran and new teachers in your building? #oklaed
Q4 It depends. If it needs addressed you better change it. Otherwise you just wasted a whole year letting something sub par exist in your school. #oklaed
Q4: No perfect answer. There is an art & a science to it. Must have data but also must have a feel for the timing and the plan. Collect as much evidence as possible but do not continue to collect and not act for too long of a time period...how long is too long: 🤷♂️. #oklaed
A5: Excellent question! As a Project Manager (years ago), I listened to both sides of the story independently and then brought them in together to help them see each other's POV. #oklaed
A5: Difficult conversations are hard regardless of how many years you have under your belt. Key is to approach each one with kindness and empathy (and making sure you’re well-prepared going in). #oklaed
A5: the reason for the convo leads here. With anyone, word choice is key difference between a conversation and an edict. If you are using “I” statements...you’ve already lost & you haven’t started into the why yet. #oklaed
A5) Way harder with teachers before you build relationship collateral. Once they believe in you and you have allies, those convos get way easier. #oklaed
A5 my guess would be Ps. I expect that the “honest conversations” that I have as a T with Ps is way different than the ones As have with Ps! (Though i can imagine some awkward talks with Ts, too!) #oklaed
A5 - I would imagine the harder convo is w/Ts. Most of us have had hard convos w/parents, but having a tough convo w/a person you want to work hard for you & buy-in to your vision is different. There is a fine line of getting that person on board or asking them to leave. #OklaEd
A5) I think the tough conversations with the teacher is harder. I was already use to speaking with parents, but to tell a teacher they are not doing something needs to be done in a manner to help improve them and sometimes I can miss the mark. #oklaed
A4: Changes should happen when they’re needed to improve learning conditions. We may have to disrupt the status quo when our Ss need us to make their learning conditions better, and that can’t always wait until next year. But, I acknowledge it’s a fine line to walk. #oklaed
Q4) As a new principal, when is it the correct time to make changes? Is this timeline influenced by the number of veteran and new teachers in your building? #oklaed
A5) I think it would be more tough with parents because a tough conversation with a teacher shouldn’t be that tough if a principal is effective. I’ve had most principals be supportive during conversations even when those talks sting a bit. #oklaed
A5. Yes, it’s harder as a new prin, IMO, but those tough convos help build credibility & trust. Again, Golden Rule. Even or esp when it’s really tough, respectful words/attitude help. #Oklaed
A5) tough talks with teachers should be easy if they see you’re correcting them out of care. Plus they see you’re hard work every day. Although you may only see a particular parent a handle full of times compared to every day with your teachers. Not sure either is easy. #OklaEd
A5) These conversations work out best when you are str8 forward, listen mostly, and don’t pretend to know all the answers. WE are all on the same team. WE want the same thing. WE want what’s best for ALL students #oklaed
A5 Both. Tough conversations are exactly that, tough! It doesn't matter if you are 1st year admin or 25th. That never goes away, what changes is your confidence that you handled it appropriately #oklaed
A3b: As a teacher, I didn’t realize how much I needed coaching to grow in my classroom craft. I wish I knew earlier that I had all the tools to develop, just needed to be engulfed in clinical practice to sharpen those skills. #oklaed
A5: Had to think about that one...I would say it's more difficult to have a hard conversation with one of your teachers. The key is respect and offering a solution not just a complaint! #oklaed
Q6) As a 1st year principal, how do you help your Ts that are on an improvement plan? Does anyone have a positive story to share about how they have helped some of their struggling faculty? #oklaed
A5) Tough question! I find that many times it’s easier for me to have a hard conversation with someone I don’t know well—I’m more objective. However, when I truly know the person, I’m better equipped to soften/mitigate the negative impact. #oklaed
A5: Teacher. Most have had practice with parents. The focused conversations with teachers is what is new. PLC structures have been improving this training ground better then before. #oklaed
A5: Difficult conversations are hard regardless of how many years you have under your belt. Key is to approach each one with kindness and empathy (and making sure you’re well-prepared going in). #oklaed
A6) Be honest early. Be visible often. Provide detailed input always. Besides safety, instructional leadership is the most important part of the job! #oklaed
Q6) As a 1st year principal, how do you help your Ts that are on an improvement plan? Does anyone have a positive story to share about how they have helped some of their struggling faculty? #oklaed
Being specific about what needs to change, putting supports in place for success, then give that T the opportunity to share their growth with others as they feel comfortable #oklaed
A5. A5. The tough convo with the teacher, especially if you have worked alongside them is extremely hard. You should always preface the convo with empathy and love. Most administrators have made the same mistakes they have to correct.#oklaed
A5: I’ve had several years of practice having those hard parent conversations. Having those conversations with teachers, some of whom were my teachers, and with others who have mentored me, has been more difficult. #oklaed
A6 It wasn't until well into my 2nd yr that one T realized I wasn't out to get her, while another in a similar situation quite literally called me the spawn of satan. Same approach with both, but one was ready to grow the other was not #oklaed
A6)Communicate and subject them to veterans.I was asked to “save”a student T because he was going to fail ST.I put the rules in front of him,told him to follow them,and I would be there to help,but he had to stay on the given task.He’s a very successful teacher and coach. #oklaed
Q6) As a 1st year principal, how do you help your Ts that are on an improvement plan? Does anyone have a positive story to share about how they have helped some of their struggling faculty? #oklaed
A6: By enlisting others (e.g. Dean of Students) to lend a hand. Important to make sure the improvement plan is indeed focused on improvement (and that it’s not evaluative). #oklaed
A5: Teachers. You spend so much time building organizational trust and credibility, that it’s easy to get trapped in holding colleagues accountable. Have to be clear that high expectations are needed for teaching and learning. #oklaed
A6) This is tough! Best success I’ve had is when @MrsHime, as an assistant principal, and other classroom Ts took time to open their doors and bags of tricks to help struggling Ts get better #oklaed
Q6) As a 1st year principal, how do you help your Ts that are on an improvement plan? Does anyone have a positive story to share about how they have helped some of their struggling faculty? #oklaed
Q6 I bloomed under Eddie Williams & his Ps (Tara Grandy & Steve Schraner) at TMS. Their trust in my crazy ideas allowed me to be B vulnerable & ask questions, be sad or frustrated. Their willingness to call me out made me better. Had other Ps but that group changed me. #oklaed
A6: Be a resource. Ask how the T thinks they can achieve the stated objective before issuing orders. Criticism is hard to hear, but guidance and the encouragement to try can go far. Flies and honey #oklaed
A6: Same strategy we did in classroom. All about growth. Individualize the plan when whole group instruction not effective. Provide specific feedback and support. Champion their efforts that lead to desired outcomes. Set the bar. Provide support, encouragement, & honesty. #oklaed
A6: I think having the relationship is so important. Just like with kids, when you need to have a hard conversation you need to have built some connection with them ahead of time. #OklaEd
Q6) As a 1st year principal, how do you help your Ts that are on an improvement plan? Does anyone have a positive story to share about how they have helped some of their struggling faculty? #oklaed
A6) The relationship is new for T & Admin. You’ve observed that improvement & help is needed. You’ve explained you’ve observed (your data). Ask T to help you brainstorm paths for help: a co-T, a curriculum coordinator, targeted PD, etc. Then commit to help T improve. #oklaed
A7 - 100% culture is the MOST IMPORTANT aspect of any building. If students don’t walk into a building and feel that they are supported, believed in, loved, valued, etc., the curriculum does not and will not matter. #OklaEd
A6. Whether 1st year or not...it’s often abt classrm mgmt. What worked in your classroom can often help another. Explain & Model it. I’ve had many good experiences & a few not so good. #oklaed
A7) to me it’s culture! That’s my main objective in year 1 of coaching. Get the troops marching together and have them trust you in battle. Then point in the direction of the battle. #OklaEd
Often if they will video themselves and then watch w a colleague or alone, they see things differently. Observing a Super Star, give freq. ongoing feedback, model for them in their own setting. Relationship must be foundational to these, but they will work! #oklaed
Q6) As a 1st year principal, how do you help your Ts that are on an improvement plan? Does anyone have a positive story to share about how they have helped some of their struggling faculty? #oklaed
A7) Culture. This is where collective ownership is created. My teachers know that I've got their back. My kids know that I love them and will keep them safe. My parents know that their kids are my kids. #oklaed
A6. Tough to do when working to earn trust and build culture. Peer observations with a colleague who does it well or going into the class and modeling it yourself is a great way as a newby in the game. They will get it when they see you putting yourself out there. #Oklaed
A7: hard to say generally speaking, really depends on the immediate needs. Again, building relationships is really the most important. Then getting to know the building as to what comes next. #oklaed
Curriculum must be addressed if the teachers are not teaching the state standards and/or do not have the resources for teaching the required standards #OklaEd
A7: Culture....if the climate and culture of the school is not where it should be, or at least headed in the right direction nothing else will be accomplished anyway! #oklaed
A7 culture. It’s going to be a slow build so you have to start fast. Chances are curriculum is largely district-directed...though if there’s something egregious going on, you’d need to tackle it. #oklaed
A7) I don't think either has to be exclusive of the other. Changes in culture can occur beginning day one and curriculum can be handled through professional development and PLCs every week. Small changes with large impact. #oklaed
A7: guess that depends on you. Are you a boss or a coach? Some lead by leading the charge, others quietly support from the sidelines. Knowing that about yourself can save everyone involved stress & save time/energy #oklaed
A7: A positive culture can overcome a bad curriculum, but a negative culture can make even a great curriculum ineffective. Definitely tackle culture first. Eradicate cheating and backstabbing or excessive competition. #oklaed
A7) I’ll say change culture first. If the atmosphere improves then other areas of concern are often easier to improve. Of course, changing entrenched culture is not easy. This could be a multi-year endeavor. #oklaed
A7) Culture. This is where collective ownership is created. My teachers know that I've got their back. My kids know that I love them and will keep them safe. My parents know that their kids are my kids. #oklaed
A8) Believe in your people. Don't believe everything that you are told about the building you are inheriting. People are empowered by someone that cares. #oklaed
A7: When we can all agree what the bottom line is then it is easier to have the answer when difficult questions arise. Important to clearly define beliefs & end goals. Again; similar routine as classroom: everyone needs to understand the procedures to how we treat others. #oklaed
#oklaed A7 A toxic culture will keep change and growth from happening. If Ts aren’t supportive of one another or lack trust, that needs to be a priority. We should always be assessing the effectiveness of curriculum.
A8) It all works out in the end! The principal is probably harder on himself than anyone. Nobody is perfect and there is never enough time to get everything done. Onward! #oklaed
In your first semester of leadership, creating culture will be your building block to all future success, dont take it lightly. Without question 1st Sem. is all about bldg relationships. Never underestimate relationship - observe watch, make connections! #oklaed
A9 put a support system together—people you trust to give solid advice, let you vent, help you brainstorm, or just buy you a cup of coffee when you need it! #oklaed
Well said! If I can’t trust you know what you are talking about, all your gabbing on standards will get a polite nod and I will continue doing what my experience and training tell me to do. #oklaed
A9: (here comes the counselor) Get rest, maintain relationshipswith other admin, stay true to yourself, get to know the stories of your faculty, know the history of your school, rely on others to pick you up sometimes, be BRAVE, SHOW up! #OklaEd
A9: Remember that #oklaed is your mission (education!). When decisions are made, base them on what will benefit the students' education the most. Get rid of anything that does not have the same goal and elevate whatever works.
A9: Take care of your first-year teachers; the first impression is a lasting impression; it can make a new teacher stay or leave. I was welcomed with open arms by my principal when I conducted my full internship. His support is why I signed the contract. Remember that! #oklaed
A9: They’re not mutually exclusive, of course, but if you absolutely love working with kids (more than anything else), consider staying in the classroom. But if you really enjoy working with adults, the principalship may be your calling. #oklaed
A9. Be firm but flexible. Your way isn’t always the best or only way. Give everyone a voice. Say only what you need to say then stop talking. Pray often. #Oklaed
A9) Do not go in thinking that everything needs to be fixed. Find those on your staff who can be dependable and work on trusting them. Don't listen to all the negative and every day is different. Find time to rest and enjoy the learning. #oklaed
A9: Surround yourself with a quality team. Not sycophants, but people you can trust to be honest (even when it may be hard to hear). Take the time to know your staff. Be visible. #oklaed
A8) School culture derives from the principal: either because the P sets the tone and Ts follow or because P abdicates the responsibility. A new P can both observe existing culture and guide toward an ideal culture in that first year. #oklaed
